“Memorial Day Wedding”

It was the most lovely August day for Nicole and David’s Memorial Day wedding weekend! Much warmer than anyone anticipated, but that didn’t stop them from the fun, celebrating their big day with family and friends.

Starting the night before with the rehearsal, the celebration traversed the city, from Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, to downtown, to Lincoln Park and finally to the Gold Coast for their reception at the historic Germania Place, a Chicago landmark.

“Roses are Red…”

Hellooo, February! Hearts and flowers, chocolates and champagne, Be Mine and Valentine’s Day. It’s also American Heart Month. What better time to showcase the beautiful Red Lacquer Room at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago?

It was a crisp, clear winter day for Theresa and Eduardo’s celebration and everything was sparkling – from the suites at the Palmer House to the lights at the church to State Street and Michigan Avenue and, of course, the Red Lacquer Room itself. It was magical!

“The Queen City Meets the Big Easy”

When I was in Charlotte for Caitlin + Matt’s engagement session, it was mid-July, sunny and VERY hot. Three months later, it was a whole different experience…unseasonably cold and rainy outside. But inside the Charlotte Country Club, it was warm and cozy as they prepared to become man and wife.

Every person I encountered had a huge grin plastered on their face, everyone was so happy and excited…it was contagious! And, the rain didn’t bother anyone, least of all the bride and groom.

It was also a unique day for me, as I had the honor of photographing Caitlin’s sister Whitney’s engagement and wedding a few years ago. Everyone treated me like I was family, and our shared experience made for an even more relaxed, fun day.

Here’s to #happilyeverhelgeson – congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Helgeson! (and, if you want to see even more of their wedding photos, check them out here)

“Amour + Miłość“

It had been just over a year since I photographed Yvonne and Greg’s engagement session, and now here they were! Taking their walk down the aisle to become Mr. and Mrs.

Both come from strong ethnic communities: Yvonne’s Polish, and Greg French. I really enjoyed how they managed to blend and pay homage to both of their ethnicities, from the Sausage Cart and Ketel One on every table to the Parisian-inspired menu and details at the reception.

“Love in Queen City”

I was in Charlotte visiting family for Easter when I received an email from Cailtin, asking if I remembered her from her sister Whitney’s wedding, which I had photographed a few years ago. She was recently engaged and wanted to know if I’d be willing to come back for her own wedding and Charlotte engagement session. Of course I did! And, of course I would! I was so honored and couldn’t wait to work with this sweet family again.

“Three-day weekend.”

Holiday weddings can be a lot of fun! A wedding over a 3-day weekend provides guests an opportunity to explore your location, take a mini-vacation… and lets you extend the celebration of one of the biggest times in your life over several days. And one of the most popular holiday weekends for weddings is Labor Day. I myself got married on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend and we had four days of merriment!

So, here’s a little celebration of two Labor Day weekend couples with whom I’ve had the honor of working. Each chose to express themselves in very different ways – vive la différence!